Stage Two Wildcard Event

Win a wildcard to participate in the Stage Two pan-European competition for the best startups spinning out of leading universities!

The Worldfactory Start-up Center (WSC) is co-hosting the Wildcard Event for Stage Two in Bochum. Stage Two is the largest pan-European start-up competition for the best start-ups spinning out of leading universities, initiated by RWTH Aachen University and HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. The wildcard event at O-Werk on September 19, 2024 will give 12 international start-ups the unique opportunity to perform on the Stage Two stage even without prior nomination from their home university.

Do you want to participate in Stage Two 2024? But you did not make it to the second round?
Don’t worry! The Worldfactory Start-up Center has some cards up its sleeve – WILDCARDS!

This year, Stage Two has once again teamed up with amazing partners to award four exclusive wildcards:

• Industrial Innovation Wildcard by Siemens
• HR Tech Wildcard by Bertelsmann & EMBRACE (Bertelsmann Investments)
• Impact Wildcard by better ventures
• Female Team Wildcard by FACE@RUB (Female Academic Entrepreneurs) & Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Start-ups can apply for a wildcard and get the chance to participate in Stage Two WITHOUT being selected at a University Round or nominated by an entrepreneurship center!

This is your chance! Applications are now open.

What are you waiting for? Check out the requirements and apply here by August 25!